Surprising move by Royal Caribbean signals industry shift

I planned to focus on South America in this week’s column. That was until Royal Caribbean decided to send its newest, feature-laden, technologically superior ship — Quantum of the Seas (to be launched this fall) — to its new permanent home in Shanghai.

The ship will spend the upcoming winter in New York, operating short cruises ranging from four to eight days.

I didn’t see this coming, nor did anyone else associated with cruising, except those in the Royal Caribbean boardroom.

I was on Vancouver Island this week, to speak about past and future changes in the industry. I explained to the audience that this change was way ahead of schedule. In the industry, it’s something of a game-changer because a North American cruise line is sending its newest, brightest star into a foreign market.

As surprising as this move is, it really shouldn’t be. Let’s face it, BMW doesn’t send last year’s model to China. Neither does any western company that wants to do business with one of the fastest-growing middle class populations in the world.

Because China is an emerging cruise market, seasoned ships have been cruising in those markets. Royal Caribbean is betting that newer will work better.

Quantum of the Seas will offer Chinese passengers some features they haven’t seen: a skydiving simulator (RipCord); a glass capsule extending 300 feet over the ship (North Star); a sports and

The ships’ most prominent feature is called North Star — passengers will feel that’s what they are

entertainment complex (Seaplex); and Two70, a multi-entertainment area being dubbed an “architectural marvel.” All are new to the industry.

Quantum won’t be lonely. Fleet mates Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas, both from the Voyager Class, will sail from various Asian ports in the winter.

While Quantum is in New York this winter, the ship will be operating mostly seven day cruises to Florida and the Bahamas.

By the way, Princess Cruises is also joining the Asian movement, having refurbished the Diamond Princess specifically for the Japanese market. Princess will sail from Yokohama (Tokyo). The line has added features that are attractive to the Japanese market including a large indoor and outdoor Japanese bathing experience.

When she leaves for China next spring, the Freedom Class ship Liberty of the Seas will take over in The Big Apple, with five-night (Bermuda) and nine-night (Eastern Caribbean) cruises. That will be followed by four- to nine-night sailings to Canada and New England later in the summer.

After spending next summer in Europe, Quantum of the Seas’ sister ship Anthem of the Seas will be based out of New York. This allows Liberty of the Seas to move from New York to Galveston, where she will be the first Freedom Class ship servicing that market, an attraction for cruisers living in the western half of North America.

North America and Europe have always been the main part of any discussion by the cruise lines as to where they will deploy their ships. With the deployment of Quantum of the Seas to China, both Asia and Australia have nudged their way into future conversations.

Phil’s Pick of the Week

This cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas doesn’t sail till next year but it offers a combo Australia and Asia experience. Price is per person double occupancy.